Ice Skate Blade Cleaner

ABSTRACT

An ice skate blade maintenance device is provided for removing built-up ice from the surfaces of a skate blade without requiring a skater&#39;s hands. The device comprises a backing member, a blade-receiving block having one or a plurality of blade grooves, and a plurality of mounting holes. The backing member may be a surface, block or wedge shape that may be removably secured to a backing structure via fasteners inserted through member mounting holes. The blade-receiving block is secured to the upper surface of the backing member. The blade grooves comprise “Y” shaped channels disposed in parallel alignment along the block for a user to remove ice from a skate blade by sliding the blade therethrough, whereby the walls of the groove contact the blade and remove ice therefrom. The device is preferably comprised of a soft, durable material to prevent damage or dulling of a blade during its use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/381,682 filed on Sep. 10, 2010, entitled “Skate Mate.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ice skate maintenance accessory, and more specifically to a device mountable to the boards or floor of an ice rink for providing a tool for removing ice from the blade of an ice skate without manually touching the blade.

The activity of ice skating is enjoyed by many people. It is an essential skill for the sports of hockey, figure skating, and speed skating. When a person skates on ice, a double-edged blade attached to the bottom of a skate boot cuts into the ice to provide traction and prevent the skater from falling. Cutting of the ice results in small bits of shaved ice that build up on the skate blades during use. If too much ice accumulates on a user's skate blades, then it may reduce the ability of the blades to cut into the skating surface and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the blades, resulting in slippage and loss of stability. Falling on ice can lead to injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to concussions and broken bones, depending on the precautions taken by the user and the equipment being worn.

Additionally, the accumulation of ice on skate blades can cause damage to the blades if the ice is not removed prior to storage of the skates. Skate blades are most commonly constructed of a metallic material that can rust if left exposed to water or moisture for extended periods of time. To reduce skate blade corrosion and resulting damage to the blades, skaters often wipe the built-up ice from the surfaces of skate blades prior to storing them. This task is often accomplished by wiping a towel or a handheld ice removal accessory down the surface of the blades. Use of handheld items is dangerous, since it places a user's hands and fingers in proximity to the sharp edges of a skate blade while the wiping motion is performed. It is easy for hands and fingers be lacerated during this process. To reduce the risk of injury to a user's hands, a stable, hands-free device is needed for removing the ice formation from a user's skate blades.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The prior art contains a variety of ice skate blade care accessory devices for maintaining the blades of ice skates. These devices have familiar design and structural elements for the purposes of maintaining and protecting skate blades; however they are not adapted for the task of providing ice removal from a skate blade while mounted to the boards or floor of an ice rink so that skaters getting off the ice can clean their skates.

Mixdorf, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0012150 discloses a device and method for cleaning and drying ice skate blades. A handheld device for removing moisture from a skate blade is disclosed, the device including a body and multiple wiper blades. The body includes a front end and a rear end and defines a skate blade pathway substantially parallel to an axis extending from the front end to the rear end. The multiple wiper blades are located within the body along an axis extending from the front end to the rear end, and are adapted to contact a surface of a skate blade traversing the skate blade pathway. Mixdorf does not disclose a blade cleaning device that is mountable to ice rink boards or to the floor. Additionally the hand-held device of Mixdorf requires a compartment for collecting ice removed from skate blades, unlike the present invention which allows ice to run off of the angled surface of the backing member, thus preventing the device from collecting unsanitary water buildup.

Skrainka, U.S. Pat. No. 2,826,774 discloses a combination ice skate blade guard and cleaner. The blade guard comprises a long runner having a rear end, a forward end, and a channel extending therebetween for placing a blade therein. The runner has a brush disposed at said front end, for the purposes of sweeping built up ice and debris off a skate blade prior to placing the same within the guard runner. Unlike the present invention, the Skrainka blade guards are intended to be portable protectors for ice skate blades and are not mountable to larger structures, such as ice rink boards or a floor surface. Skrainka does not disclose a plurality of parallel grooves for sliding ice skate blades through to clean the same, instead Skrainka discloses a brush for sweeping ice off a blade individually. The present invention provides a communal device that can be utilized by a number of users, simultaneously or consecutively.

Damiano, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0045016 discloses an ice skate blade guard comprising a corrosion inhibiter and a covering pouch. The pouch has a front end and a rear end, and an adjustably sized opening therebetween for receiving and retaining the blade of an ice skate. Along the bottom of the pouch is a channel of molded foam adapted to receive and retain the lower edge of an ice skate blade. A moisture wicking material lines the inside of the channel. The corrosion inhibitor consists of a silica based vapor phase corrosion inhibiter that coats a portion of the pouch's inner surfaces. Skate blades are cleaned by the moisture wicking material and protected from corrosion by the corrosion inhibiter. These skate blade guards are meant to be placed on individual skates and transported while secured to the same, they are not securable to ice rink boards or to a floor for use by several users. Damiano does not disclose a similar structure as the present invention, notably a plurality of parallel cleaning devices.

Hardwick et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,017 describes an ice skate guard with a sharpener. The ice skate guard includes a housing with a channel and a sharpener. The channel extends along the housing, and receives a skate blade. The sharpener is mounted in the housing and extends into the channel. When a skate blade is drawn through the channel the sharpener engages with the blade and sharpens the blade. These sharpeners cannot be mounted to the boards or floor of an ice rink. The sharpeners of Hardwick require a user to slide the lower edge of skate blade through a slot in the device; however Hardwick does not disclose a plurality of parallel slots or a structure as described in the present invention. Additionally, Hardwick teaches away from the present invention because sharpening tools cannot be made of soft durable materials such as that of the present skate cleaner.

The devices disclosed by the prior art do not address the need for ice removal near the entrance to an ice rink or one that can service several skates in a row or simultaneously. The current invention relates to a device that is mountable to the boards or floor of an ice rink so that skaters getting off the ice can easily clean their skates. The structure of the device is preferably comprised of a material such that no damage or further dulling of the blades occurs during its use. It substantially diverges in structural elements from the prior art, consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to the existing skate blade maintenance devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of skate maintenance devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new skate cleaning tool, mountable to a floor or the boards of an ice rink, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience of a user when cleaning skate blades after exiting the ice rink area. The ice removal device comprises a backing member, a blade-receiving block secured thereto and having a plurality of parallel blade grooves, along with a plurality of mounting holes for securing the backing member to a larger structure. The backing member comprises a durable, flexible, and non-metallic material such as galvanized rubber, plastic or any substitute that is suited for cleaning blades without dulling or scratching the same. Disposed at each corner of said backing member is a mounting hole that allows a fastening means, such as a screw or nail, to be inserted into the device and secured into a wall or floor for stabilizing the device thereto.

A blade-receiving block, or alternatively a plurality of blade receiving blocks are centrally located along the top surface of the backing member. The receiving block has an upper end and a lower end and one or a plurality of parallel blade grooves disposed therebetween. The grooves are adapted to accept a skate blade runner and holder thereof and act as a surface to run the blade against for removal of snow and ice accumulation. Ice buildup on skate blades may be removed by aligning the bottom of a blade with a groove in the receiving block and inserting the blade therein. The skate is then slid downwards through the blade groove to wipe ice and snow from the sides of said blade.

In an alternate embodiment, the backing member may be formed of a wedge instead of a panel to provide improved ergonomics for a standing or seated user. The wedge backing member may be mounted to the floor of an area outside an ice rink abutting the board wall or mounted by itself against a ground surface. In another embodiment, the backing member may comprise a slanted surface with a skate receiving block disposed thereupon. In yet another embodiment, the blade receiving block may be replaced with a plurality individual blade groove blocks. Each blade-receiving block comprises an individual “Y” shaped groove cut out of a rectangular block. These blocks are replaceable and may be removably secured to the backing member by means of fasteners. This embodiment allows operators of an ice rink to replace worn blade receiving blocks as necessary, without replacing the entire assembly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device having all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device that is mountable to the board walls or floor of an ice skating rink.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device that may be used by more than one user at one time or consecutively.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device that does not require a user to place their hands near the blades of a skate to clean them, thereby reducing the risk of laceration to a user's hands and fingers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device having removably secured blade groove elements that may be replaced after excessive use

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved skate blade maintenance device having durable and resilient construction.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above invention will be better understood and the objects set forth above as well as other objects not stated above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes use of the annexed drawings wherein like numeral references are utilized throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a mountable ice skate blade cleaner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a mountable ice skate blade cleaner according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows another side view of a mountable ice skate blade cleaner according to the present invention with fasteners being inserted through the backing member.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of mountable skate blade cleaner according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the back member is wedge shaped. Fasteners are being secured through the device and into the mounting holes.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present skate blade cleaner having a wedge backing member and removable blade groove elements.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present skate blade cleaner having removable blade groove elements and a slanted backing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the ice skate blade maintenance device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for removing ice from skate blades. This is intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 & 3, there is shown an ice removal device comprising a backing member 11, a blade-receiving block 12 secured thereto and a plurality of mounting holes 14. The blade-receiving block comprises a plurality of blade grooves 13 situated about its upper surface for accepting a plurality of blade runners and holders. The backing member 11 comprises a top surface having an overall rectangular shape, and at least one rear surface. In a preferred embodiment, the backing member is a rectangular block with a plurality of mounting holes 14 provided at each corner for securing the device to a larger structure. The mounting holes provide a countersinking hole for use with smaller fasteners if desired. Fasteners 15 may be inserted through the mounting holes 14 and then fastened to the boards or floor of an ice rink, thereby securing the device to a secure structure that allows prolonged use without maintenance or storage.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the present invention. The blade-receiving block 12 secures to a top surface of the backing member 11 to allow access by a standing or seated user. Said blade-receiving block 12 extends laterally between a first edge of the backing member 11 to a second edge of the block. Disposed along the length of the blade-receiving block 12 is a plurality of blade grooves 13 that act as a means for cleaning accumulated ice and snow from inserted skate blades. These grooves 13 have a parallel alignment and extend from an upper edge of the block 13 to a lower edge. A blade groove 13 comprises a channel having a Y-shaped cross-section, whereby the bottom portion of the channel is sized to receive the width of an ice skate blade and the upper portion accepts the holder of the skate blade. When an ice skate blade is slid downward from the top of a blade groove 13 to the bottom, the walls of the channel wipe built-up ice and snow from the surface of the skate blade, providing a clean blade surface to resume skating activities or prior to ceasing activity and subsequent removal of the skates.

In an alternate embodiment, the backing member 11 comprises a wedge shape (shown in FIG. 4). This embodiment of the backing member 11 has two rear surfaces, the first of which may be placed on the floor with the second abutting a vertical structure, such as an ice rink board or wall. The device may then be secured to the structure and floor using fasteners placed through countersunk holes provided on the corners of the block. The wedge shape may also be secured to the floor only, without a backing structure. In either configuration, the wedge provides an ergonomic angle for which the blade-receiving block 12 is situated, improving its use by a seated or standing user. In any embodiment, the device is preferably constructed using a durable, temperature resistant, flexible material such as galvanized rubber or plastic. Ideally the material should not facilitate dulling of the blades during use, and further should not cause scratching or scoring of the blades as they are pulled through the grooves of the blade-receiving block 13. Fasteners used to secure the device to a larger structure may be any type contemplated by one skilled in the art, including those comprising a corrosion resistant material given the high moisture environment around skate cleaners and ice rinks.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the skate-receiving block has been substituted for a plurality of individual groove receiving block elements 16. The individual blade receiving elements each comprise a small rectangular block having a blade groove cut out. The blocks are removably securable to the backing member 11 by fastening means. These blocks are used in much the same way as the blade receiving block 12 and grooves of the preferred embodiment; however the modularity of the individual blocks allows an ice rink operator to easily replace the blocks as grooves become worn out, without having to replace the entire device. The backing member 11 may be any shape desired, while fasteners are provided to secure the device to a larger structure or surface.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown still another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The backing member is comprised of a first slanted surface 17 and a second supporting block 18. Securing means such as screws may be used to secure the blocks together to form a slanted wedge shape. This embodiment provides stable support while the device is in use, without requiring the device to be mounted to a larger structure. The device can easily be moved to different locations within a skating area, and may be useful for supplementing board mounted embodiments of the device during times of high skater volume.

In use, an individual either wearing or holding a skate places the skate in alignment with a blade groove along the blade-receiving block. The user then slides the skate blade through the lower channel portion of the blade groove. The walls of the groove rub against the skate blade surfaces, wiping built-up ice and snow from the blade. The process may then be repeated with the second skate to ensure that both blades are clear of debris and are ready for use. Since the device may be secured to the ice rink, ice skaters do not need to carry personal ice removal devices, thus reducing the items a skater must carry with them to the rink and providing a ready tool for removing built-up ice in close proximity to the activity.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1) An ice skate maintenance device for removing accumulated ice and snow from an ice skate blade, comprising: a backing member having a top surface and a rear surface; a blade-receiving block centrally located on said backing member top surface, wherein a plurality of blade grooves is disposed in parallel alignment; said blade grooves comprising a channel extending from an upper edge of said blade-receiving block to a lower edge, said grooves adapted to receive the width of an ice skate blade. 2) The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed at each corner of said backing member and extending partially through said backing member and adapted to receive fasteners to secure said backing member to a larger structure. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said blade groove comprises a “Y” shaped channel. 4) The device of claim 3, wherein said “Y” shaped channel is adapted to receive a skate blade runner and holder. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said backing member comprises a rectangular block. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said backing member comprises a wedge shaped block. 7) The device of claim 1, wherein said backing member comprises a first slanted surface and a second supporting block to provide a slanted, wedge-shape backing member. 8) An ice skate maintenance device for removing accumulated ice and snow from an ice skate blade, comprising: a backing member having a top surface and a rear surface; a blade-receiving block centrally located on said backing member top surface, wherein a plurality of blade grooves is disposed in parallel alignment; said blade grooves comprising a channel extending from an upper edge of said blade-receiving block to a lower edge, said grooves adapted to receive the width of an ice skate blade. a plurality of mounting holes disposed at each corner of said backing member and extending partially through said backing member and adapted to receive fasteners to secure said backing member to a larger structure. 9) The device of claim 8, wherein said blade groove comprises a “Y” shaped channel. 10) The device of claim 9, wherein said “Y” shaped channel is adapted to receive a skate blade runner and holder. 11) The device of claim 8, wherein said backing member comprises a rectangular block. 12) The device of claim 8, wherein said backing member comprises a wedge shaped block. 13) The device of claim 8, wherein said backing member comprises a first slanted surface and a second supporting block to provide a slanted, wedge-shape backing member. 14) An ice skate maintenance device for removing accumulated ice and snow from an ice skate blade, comprising: a backing member having a top surface and a rear surface; a plurality of blade-receiving blocks removably secured to said backing member top surface, wherein a said blocks are disposed in parallel alignment; each of said blocks having a blade groove comprising a channel extending from an upper edge of said blade-receiving block to a lower edge, said groove being adapted to receive the width of an ice skate blade. 15) The device of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed at each corner of said backing member and extending partially through said backing member and adapted to receive fasteners to secure said backing member to a larger structure. 16) The device of claim 14, wherein said blade groove comprises a “Y” shaped channel. 17) The device of claim 16, wherein said “Y” shaped channel is adapted to receive a skate blade runner and holder. 18) The device of claim 14, wherein said backing member comprises a rectangular block. 19) The device of claim 14, wherein said backing member comprises a wedge shaped block. 20) The device of claim 14, wherein said backing member comprises a first slanted surface and a second supporting block to provide a slanted, wedge-shape backing member. 